Job Details

Department Chairperson - Biological Sciences

Position Number: 6706609
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Deans - Science

Department Chairperson - Biological Sciences

42751BR
Position DescriptionThe Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 12 month, tenured position as Professor and Department Chair, to begin September 1, 2026. We seek a distinguished scientist with a proven record of creative scientific achievement and energetic administrative leadership, who will provide a compelling vision for the future of the department in line with Texas Techs aspiration to reach AAU status. The department currently has 48 full-time faculty members and over 150 graduate students. The department covers a diverse array of specialties, including research groups in (1) Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, (2) Cellular and Molecular Biology, including Genomics, (3) Microbiology, and (4) Discipline-based Biology Education Research, and runs additional research and teaching facilities including a greenhouse, a microscopy facility, and the E.L. Reed Herbarium. Several faculty are also associated with the Museum at Texas Tech Universitys (MaTT) Natural Science Research Laboratory, the TTU Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Four degrees are offered (B.S., M.S., PSM, Ph.D.) in a variety of specialty areas including Ecology and Environmental Sustainability, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology, among others. For further information regarding the Department of Biological Sciences, please refer to the departments website: www.depts.ttu.edu/biology.The successful applicant will possess a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and educational activities, be a collegial motivator and advocate for faculty, inspire support and cooperation from diverse constituencies, and foster excellence in teaching and research. The candidate must have a clear vision for achieving strategic goals within the department, college, and university. The successful candidate is expected to work with faculty to maintain departmental strengths while developing the department under a strategic plan that emphasizes growth in basic life sciences, areas broadly related to human health, and other aspects of biological sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to promote the research, teaching, and outreach missions of the department and college.

Position Description
The Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 12 month, tenured position as Professor and Department Chair, to begin September 1, 2026. We seek a distinguished scientist with a proven record of creative scientific achievement and energetic administrative leadership, who will provide a compelling vision for the future of the department in line with Texas Tech's aspiration to reach AAU status. The department currently has 48 full-time faculty members and over 150 graduate students. The department covers a diverse array of specialties, including research groups in (1) Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, (2) Cellular and Molecular Biology, including Genomics, (3) Microbiology, and (4) Discipline-based Biology Education Research, and runs additional research and teaching facilities including a greenhouse, a microscopy facility, and the E.L. Reed Herbarium. Several faculty are also associated with the Museum at Texas Tech University's (MaTT) Natural Science Research Laboratory, the TTU Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Four degrees are offered (B.S., M.S., PSM, Ph.D.) in a variety of specialty areas including Ecology and Environmental Sustainability, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology, among others. For further information regarding the Department of Biological Sciences, please refer to the department's website: www.depts.ttu.edu/biology.

The successful applicant will possess a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and educational activities, be a collegial motivator and advocate for faculty, inspire support and cooperation from diverse constituencies, and foster excellence in teaching and research. The candidate must have a clear vision for achieving strategic goals within the department, college, and university. The successful candidate is expected to work with faculty to maintain departmental strengths while developing the department under a strategic plan that emphasizes growth in basic life sciences, areas broadly related to human health, and other aspects of biological sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to promote the research, teaching, and outreach missions of the department and college.

Major/Essential Functions
In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology or a closely related field is required at the time of application.
Academic leadership experience, as evidenced by leadership roles, which may include but are not limited to chair/associate chair service.
A strong record of peer-reviewed research and external, particularly federally funded, research in any life sciences field commensurate with appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
Knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices as demonstrated by proposed plans in a teaching statement and/or participation in teaching professional development.
A plan for department leadership.

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

Preparation for leadership and dedication to continuous professional development, evidenced by a record of engagement in leadership and/or mentorship professional development.
Evidence of effective mentorship of junior faculty.
Evidence of effective research mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Experience implementing evidence-based teaching practices in undergraduate biology classes.
Evidence of sustained involvement in institutional and/or professional service such as committee and/or review service.

Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants should submit the following materials:

A detailed cover letter (up to 2 pages).
A current CV.
Leadership philosophy and plan statement (up to 2 pages).
Statement of research interests (up to 2 pages).
Teaching and mentoring statement (up to 2 pages).
Names and contact information for three references.

Application Process
Applications received before January 15, 2026 will be given full consideration. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Questions about the position and/or the application process can be directed to:
Dr. Randy McBee, Search Committee Chair
College of Arts and Sciences
Texas Tech University
E-mail: Randy.McBee@ttu.edu

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.